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Etiquette With Visitors

The best action of Islam is to feed the poor. Rasullullah sallAllahu alayhi wasallam has said: “The person who has faith in Allah and in the hereafter, it is necessary for him to be polite to his guests.” (Bukhari)

One remains a guest for three days; thereafter, it is sadaqah. (The host must entertain his guest for three days. More than that, whatever entertainment is made will be regarded as sadaqah).

One should entertain one’s guest with special food for one day and one night. (Bukhari)

A guest should not remain at the host’s place for such a long time that it would either inconvenience or disgust them.

Whoever is invited and does not accept has disobeyed Allah and His Rasul sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

Whoever enters (a house) without invitation (for meals), enters as a burglar and departs as a bandit. (Abu Dawud)

Diet In Islam The Greatest Gift – The Human Body

Diet plays a vital role in the daily life of a believer. Many verses in the Noble Quran draw a person’s attention to themselves and invite them to carefully study their body and soul, as well as the nature of their mutual relationship. By doing so, one will firstly find in it strong evidence of the existence of Allah and that Allah has not created mankind and all other beings of this world without any purpose, as mentioned in the Noble Quran: “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose.” (3:191)

The Importance of Healthiness
It is therefore necessary to ensure that the physical body is kept healthy so that the soul and spirit may also remain healthy, thus in turn aiding the believer in the service of both his spiritual and material attainment. Diet, therefore, plays an important role in this purpose. For this reason, Islam has prohibited certain foods due to their ill effects and permitted all other pure, good, and clean food products. Allah Ta’ala says in the Noble Qur’an:

“O’ Believers! Eat of the good and pure (lawful) that We have provided you with and be grateful to Allah, if you truly worship Him.” (2:172)

Muslims in general are advised to eat good and pure things and not to indulge in impure, bad, and harmful things, thus following their open enemy, Shaitan: “O People! Eat of what is lawful and good on the Earth, and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, for he is your open enemy.” (2:168)

Guard Your Tongue

The tongue, the language and the mind, etc… are great gifts of Allah (SWT-Subhana Wa Ta’laa). These gifts that Allah has given to man make him superior to all other creatures. Islam has given special attention to speech, its style, its etiquette, and rules because the talk that comes out of a man’s mouth discloses his intellectual level and moral nature. Moreover, the etiquette of speech in a group reveals its general standard and shows the standard of decency in their environment.

Truthful, clean, and decent conversation impress both friends and foes (enemies, rivals, opponents), and its sweet fruits can be readily enjoyed. It guards love between friends.

A False Or Unkind Word May Destroy Many Relations
“Say (O Prophet!) to my slaves to speak which is kindlier. Verily, the devil sows discord among them. Verily, the devil is for man an open enemy.” (Surah Bani Israel 17:53)

“Not a word is said except that there is a guard (close observer) by him ready to record it.” [Surah Qaf (50:18]

On a Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do (Surah AlNur 24:24)

O you who believe, fear Allah, and be with those who are true. (Surah At-Tauba 9:119)

Narrated Abu Musa (RA): Some people asked Allah’s Apostle, “Whose Islam is the best? i.e. (Who is a very good Muslim)?” He replied, “One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.” (Bukhari 1.10)

Prophet(PBUH) said I guarantee Paradise for …
Narrated Sahl bin Saad: Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) said, “Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” (Bukhari 8:481)

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbor and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk about what is good or keep quiet.” (Bukhari 8/158)

A wrong word uttered by tongue the person may slip into hell fire
Narrated Abu Huraira (RA): He heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “A slave of Allah may utter a word without thinking whether it is right or wrong, he may slip down in the Fire as far away a distance equal to that between the east.”(and the west) (Bukhari 8:484; Muslim)

Which is among the dangerous acts that displease Allah (SWT)?
Narrated Abu Huraira(RA): The Prophet (PBUH); said, “A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (of reward): a slave (of Allah (SWT) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah (SWT) without thinking of its gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell- Fire.” (Bukhari 8:485)

By: Mirza Ehteshamuddin Ahmed

Etiquette Towards Animals

A Muslim considers most animals to be deserving of a certain level of respect as creatures. He shows mercy to them due to the mercy of Allah upon them. He also adheres to the following manners with respect to them, which are part of the etiquettes that Islam encourages Muslims to fulfill:

1. A Muslim feeds or gives water to an animal if he finds it hungry or thirsty. This is based on the Messenger’s sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) statement: ”There is a reward (for serving) everything with a moist liver (that is, every living creature).” [Ahmad]

2. A Muslim should have compassion and mercy towards animals. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
He sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said in another narration: “Have mercy toward those on the Earth and The One above the Heavens will have mercy on you.” [At-Tabaraani]

The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) himself set the best example in this regard. When he sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) saw a group of people using a live animal for archery target practice, he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) said: “May Allah curse the one who uses any creature with a soul as a target.” [Muslim]

Once a bird was distressed because someone had taken its young from her nest. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) then said: “Who has distressed this one because of its baby? Return its baby to her.” [Abu Daawood]

3. The Muslim must be kind to the animal, even when he is about to slaughter it. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) has said: “Verily, Allah has prescribed excellence in all things. Thus, if you kill, kill in a kind manner. If you slaughter, slaughter in a kind manner. Each of you should sharpen his blade and spare suffering to the animal he is slaughtering.” [Muslim]

4. A Muslim should never torture an animal by any means of torture, such as beating it, making it carry more than it can handle, mutilating it, or burning it by fire. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) also prohibited the tying down of animals until they die. Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) once said: “A woman entered the Hell-fire because of a cat that she tied down. She neither fed it nor let it free to eat the insects of the earth until it died.” [Al-Bukhaari]

Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) once passed by an anthill that had been burnt to the ground and he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “It is not becoming that anyone should punish by fire except the Lord of the Fire.” [Abu Daawood]

However, it is permissible to kill harmful animals, such as voracious dogs, wolves, snakes, scorpions, rats, etc. This is based on the Prophet’s sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) statement: “Five noxious or harmful animals are to be killed whether or not one is in the state of pilgrimage: the snake, the speckled raven that has whiteness either on its back or stomach, the rat, the voracious dog and the kite (a bird similar to a hawk).” [Muslim]

It is also confirmed from Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) that he cursed the scorpion and killed it. [Al-Bayhaqi]

Other related matters:
1. It is allowed to brand grazing animals in their ears for some overriding need. The Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) was seen branding, by his own hand, the camels given in charity. As for other than camels, sheep, goats, and cows, it is not allowed to brand them. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) saw a donkey branded on his face and said: “May Allah curse the one who branded that (donkey) on its face.” [Muslim]

2. One must recognize the right of Allah concerning his animals by paying the Zakah due on them if they are from the animals concerning which one must pay Zakah.

3. One must not become so preoccupied with animals or playing with them that one disobeys Allah, or does not remember Allah properly. Allah has said, (what means): “O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah.” [Quran 63:9]

Allah’s Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allah exalt his mention ) stated concerning horses: “A horse may be kept for one of three reasons. For one man, it may be a source of reward, for another, it may be a source of living and yet for another, it may be a sinful burden. As for the one for whom it is a source of reward, he is the one who keeps his horse for the sake of Jihaad in Allah’s cause (i.e. fighting); he ties it with a long rope in a pasture or in a garden. So whatever its rope allows it to eat will be regarded as good, rewardable deeds (for its owner). And if it breaks off its rope and jumps over one or two hillocks, even its dung will be considered among his good deeds. A horse is a shelter for the one who keeps it so that he may earn his living honestly and takes it as a refuge to keep him from following forbidden means. (The third is) a horse is a sinful burden for him who keeps it out of pretense and show and with the intention of harming Muslims.” [Al-Bukhaari]

These are, in general, the etiquettes that a Muslim should adhere to with respect to animals, out of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) and in adherence to what the Islamic law has ordered him… the Sharee’ah of mercy… the Sharee’ah of general goodness for all creatures, be they human or animal.

Spreading Salams

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Qur’an, An-Nisa 4:86)

Human interaction is an important facet of any society. In Islam, proper relationships are stressed at all phases of interaction and the common greeting holds a special place in Islamic manners. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them, that is better for you, in order that you remember.” (Qur’an, An-Nur 24:27)

“….But when you enter houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allah, blessed and good….” (Qur’an, An-Nur 24:61)

Too often, we take greetings for granted and attach minimal importance to them. In these verses, however, Allah reminds the Muslims that offering greetings and the manner of the greeting are of utmost importance. Similarly, in a Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet stressed the importance of greetings when he defined the rights of a Muslim:

“The rights of a Muslim upon another are five: returning greetings, visiting the sick, following the funeral procession, responding to invitations, and offering ‘Tashmeet’ for one who sneezes.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The recommended greeting of a Muslim is to say: “As-salaamu a’laykum” (peace be upon you). According to a Hadith related by Bukhari and Muslims, this form of greeting was ordained by Allah from the time of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him).

The Virtues Of Salam
Exchanging salam holds a high position in Islam. Not only is salam equated with many other important deeds, but it is one of the defining criteria of belief. We observe many Hadiths pertaining to the position of exchanging salaam in Islam.

In one Hadith a man asked the Prophet (PBUH- peace be upon him) about which aspect of Islam was best. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Feeding the hungry, and saying salam to those you know and those you don’t know.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (PBUH) also said: “You will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another: ‘spread salam’ (the greeting of peace) among you.” (Muslim)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also explained another virtue of salam in the following Hadith: “When two Muslims meet (give salam), and shake hands, they are forgiven their sins before they part (with each other).” (Abu Dawud)

“O people! spread salaam, feed the hungry, be in touch with your kin, and pray while people are asleep (at night) you shall enter paradise peacefully.” (Tirmithi)

The Grades Of Salam
There are several forms of exchanging salam. Each has its grade which corresponds to the extent of the phrase. There is a Hadith where Imran Ibn Hussayn (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that: “A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, ‘As-salaamu a’laykum!’ The Prophet (PBUH) returned his greeting and when the man sat down, the Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Ten.’ Another man came and said: ‘As-salaamu a’laykum wa rahmatullah (may the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) .’ to which the Prophet also responded, and when the man sat down, He said ‘Twenty.’ Another man came and said: ‘As-salaamu a’laykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (may the peace, blessings, and the mercy of Allah be upon you).’ The Prophet (PBUH) returned his greeting, and after the man sat down, he said: ‘Thirty.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)

The Hadith has been interpreted to mean that the minimum form of the Islamic greeting which is acceptable is “As-salaamu a’laykum” and one is rewarded with ten good deeds for saying it. The second grade, adding “wa rahmatullah”, raises the reward to twenty good deeds. The best grade of salaam is “As-salaamu a’laykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatahu”, and this is worth thirty good deeds.

The response to the greeting is similar in form and rewards. The least one could say is “Wa a’layku-mus-salaam” and the best answer is: “Wa alayku-Mus-salaam wa rahmatulahi wa barakatahu” (and may the peace, blessings, and the mercy of Allah be upon you).

In the time of the Prophet (PBUH) the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ) would compete with each other, to see who could give salaams first.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of the two persons is the one who begins with salam.” (Related by Nawawi in his book Al-Adkar)

“The Prophet (PBUH) was asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah ! When two persons meet with each other, who should take the lead in greeting the other? He answered: ‘The one who is closest to Allah.” (Tirmithi)

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The person closest to Allah is the one who precedes others in greeting.” (Abu Dawud)

The Islamic Ruling On Salam
Initiating salams is considered ‘Sunnah’ or optional, returning the salaams after it is offered is considered ‘wajib’ or obligatory, based on the first Qur’anic ayah mentioned. Islam also encourages people to offer the first greeting as mentioned in the Hadiths mentioned previously.

The Prophet (PBUH) was asked about the most appropriate way to give salams as shown in the following Hadith: Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that a man asked the Prophet:”O Messenger of Allah when any one of us meets a Muslim brother or a friend then should he bow his head (as a sign of courtesy to him)?’ He said: ‘No.’ The man said: ‘Should he embrace him?’ He said: ‘No.’ The man then asked: ‘Should he clasp his hands?’ He said: ‘Yes.” (Tirmithi)

Unfortunately, now in our community, Muslims have adopted other methods of giving salutations. As we can see in this Hadith, The Prophet (PBUH) was very precise about how salams were to be given.

We as Muslims, should remember that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the best example for us to follow in all aspects of our life, and we should be careful not to add anything new to the Deen of Islam, for fear of implying that the Prophet Muhammad did not complete his mission.

As Allah (Most Exalted is He) says in the Qur’an: “You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day.” (Qur’an, Al-Ahzab 33:21)

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “I have not left anything which Allah (Most Exalted is He) ordered except that I have ordered you with it, nor anything that Allah forbade you, except that I forbade you from it.” (Buhaiqi)

Conditions Under Which Salam Is Discouraged
There are certain situations under which it is preferable not to offer salam. These include; when a person is relieving himself, when one is having a marital relationship, when someone is sleeping, or when in the bathroom.

Offering salam when someone is reciting the Qur’an is permissible but discouraged. The same rule applies to someone who is making dua (supplication) or one who is praying.

Exchanging Salam With Non-Muslim
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not greet the Jews and the Christians with salam.” However, if they salam first, we may reply by saying “wa a’laykum” (and upon you).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Salutation and Meeting Non-Muslims
Amr bin Shu’aib – Tirmithi: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “He does not belong to us who imitates people other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians, for the Jews’ salutation is to make a gesture with the fingers and the Christians’ salutation is to make a gesture with the palms of the hands.”

Ayesha – Bukhari: When some Jews came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and said, “As-saamu ‘a’laikom” (Death be upon you) and he replied, “Wa ‘a’laikom” (and upon you), she (‘A’isha) said, “Death be upon you and may Allah curse you and be angry with you.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) then said, “Gently, ‘A’isha, keep to kindness and avoid harshness and coarseness.” She asked if he had not heard what they said, and he asked if she had not heard what he said, saying, “I replied to them, and my prayer regarding them will be answered, but theirs regarding me will not.”

Surah Mujadila:8: “And when they (Non-Muslims) come to thee, they salute thee, not as Allah salutes thee (but in crooked ways).” E.g. As-saamu ‘alaikom.

Abu Hurairah – Muslim: The Messenger of Allah said, “Do not salute the Jews and Christians before they salute you, and when you meet one of them on the road force him to go to the narrowest part.”

Greeting The Youn
It is considered a part of the Sunnah for adults to offer salam to children in order to teach them the proper greeting manners and to build their self-esteem. In both Al-Bukhari and Muslim, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet passed by some youth and he offered salaam to them. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Prophet used to do this quite often.

Etiquette Of Salam
There are several etiquettes to be followed with respect to the exchanging of salam. The Prophet (SAWS), for example, said: “The person who is riding should offer salam to the one who is walking, and the one who is walking should greet the one who is sitting, and the smaller group should greet the larger one.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Aside from the situations mentioned in the Hadith, the one who enters a house should initiate salam to those already there. Furthermore, if one enters his home, it is preferable to offer salam, even if there is no one at home. With respect to the salam between the young and the old, the young are expected to begin the greeting.

It is also considered improper for someone to meet a group of Muslims and offers salam only to some of them. The greeting must be for all in the group. If a group of people offers salam to an individual at the same time, he may reply only once to all of them.

The head should never be bent as a sign of greeting. We bend our heads only to Allah. It must also be emphasized that other body gestures in any form or shape (for example, raising eyebrows, extending the arms, smiling, winking, etc.), cannot replace uttering the words salam.

Salam for someone at a distance can be offered by saying the salam and waving a hand. Waving the hand alone, however, is not considered a salam.

Salam is not only confined to the time of meeting only but extends to when separating as well.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), relates that the Prophet said: “When one of you joins a gathering, he should greet those present; and when he leaves them he should salute them because the first salutation is not better than the last one.” (Abu Dawud and Tirmithi)

Saying Of The Sahaba Regarding Salam
Umar bin Khattab: “There are three ways of showing sincere brotherly love: give him the greeting of Salaam when you first meet him, make him comfortable, and call him by his favorite name.”

Sa’id bin al-As: “I owe my sitting companion three things: on his approach, I greet him, on his arrival I make him welcome, and when he sits I make him comfortable.”

Conclusion
There are two fundamental categories of human beings: Muslims and Non-Muslims. Any human being who chooses to submit to his Creator is called a Muslim and his way of life is Islam. A Muslim is a precious being in the sight of Allah. Muslim gains special privileges, honor, and dignity because of Islam. They are people (Muslims) who have achieved peace (Salam) by accepting Peace (Islam). The salutation of Salam is a special blessing of Allah for Muslims. The first conclusion is that Muslims should use Salam to salute fellow Muslims because it is only befitting for them to do so.

It is below the dignity of the Muslim to use such expressions below their noble status. The Muslim should not degrade himself, by using Non-Muslim salutations; or his fellow Muslims, by saluting them with Non-Muslim salutations; and nor his Deen al-Islam, by adopting the ways of the Non-Muslims. The second conclusion is that Muslims should not use Non-Muslim salutations amongst themselves because these are unfit for them. Muslims should not only refrain from using Non-Muslim salutations, but they should abhor such practices.

The Non-Muslim human being, a Kafir (dis-believer), is one who chooses to reject the message of Peace and adopt his own anti-Islamic way of life, Kufr. Such beings are in utter discord, and their life is in contradiction with any concept of peace or harmony. These people will never attain the magnanimity of the Muslims, but the contrary, ignominy.

The salutations of these people are likewise only worthy of their status, rather meaningless and unworthy of noble people. They do not deserve the peaceful salutation of Salam because they have chosen to reject it. The third conclusion is that Non-Muslims should not be saluted with the full Salam as they are unworthy of it. They are deprived of the blessings of Salaa as they rejected them. How can a Muslim pray, “Peace be upon you, and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings” for a person who does not believe in Allah or lead his life in accordance with the teachings of Islam, for this dua to become effective for him? The salutation of Salam cannot be used for them.

Allah says in the Qur’an: “It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for the Mushriks (pagans), even though they be of kin after it is clear to them that they are companions of the fire.” (Qur’an, At-Taubah 9:133)

Further: “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and those who are with him are hard against the unbelievers, (but) full of Mercy for one another.” (Qur’an, Al-Fath 48:29)

The general conclusions are: the salutation of Salam is for Muslims and the Non-Muslim salutations are for Non-Muslims.

Muslims should not use bad language when saluting Non-Muslims but should be polite and courteous. The wording of the Salutation for the Non-Muslim according to the Qur’an and Hadith should be noted. The ayat in the Qur’an, like all other ayats, is beautiful. The wording is, “Peace on him who is rightly guided.” Although this is used for the Non-Muslims it is in reality, only applicable to those who are rightly guided, the Muslims. The salutation for the Non-Muslims in the Hadith is that the Muslims should say, “Wa ‘alaykum” when greeted by the Non-Muslims. That is, they should say, “The same to you” or “Upon you” concerning whatever Non-Muslims have said.

References:
1. Article, Al Jumuah Magazine, Salam by Rafil Dhafir
2. Riyadh-Us-Saleheen
3. Salaam – Salutation of the Muslims by Ibn Aslam

Rules Related To Fasting

The Obligation Of Fasting
a) The time for fasting is from the rising of the second dawn until the setting of the sun.
b) Fasting is: abstention from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse by day with the intention.

The Intention
The fasting is valid with an intention from the night, but if one did not intend until the morning, the intention suffices him between [dawn] and {the middle of the day}.

1. Things which invalidates fasting and requires full recompense
1.1 If someone intentionally does one of the following without any valid excuse(see 6 below)
a) Does not fast at all
b) Breaks fast by eating, drinking and sexual activities
c) Assuming that cupping has broken ones fast thus quit fasting for the day.

1.2 Expiation for the above is to
a) Fast unceasingly for two months (60 days), if one breaks fats during this one has to start a new.
b) If unable to do so, it is to feed 60 needy persons two full meals
c) If unable to do so, it is to free one slave.

1.3 Things that break fast and requires one to fast similar numbers of days in recompense
a) If something is entered into the body during the hours when one is supposed to fast, irrelevant of how it entered into the body.(see 5)

* To eat something which is not food such as stone particle or smoking anything.
* When water enters stomach while gargling
* When one is fed by force even when one is sleeping or unconscious
* Inject medicine, place them on wounds which eventually gets in.
* Eating by mistake thinking it is still night or iftar time is due while it is not.
* Involuntary full mouth vomiting and subsequent swallowing of it or part of it.
* When one is force into sexual intercourse or when one is sleeping or unconscious

b) Fasting without intention
c) Breaking (iftar) fast without the intention of doing so.
d) Lustful kissing of ones spouse
e) Emission of semen due to touching, kissing, masturbation.
f) Intentional vomiting.

2. Offensive acts during fasting
* Backbiting, slander
* To lie or deceive
* To use abusive language
* Not having iftar
* Taste a food without swallowing it, using toothpaste.
* Gargling water due to thirsts or hot weather.
* Wrapping oneself with wet clothes.
* Throwing up intentionally
* Weakening the body (e.g. strenuous sport)
* Gathering saliva and swallowing it;

3. Days when fasting is forbidden
* Day of Eid al Fitr (Eid of Ramadan)
* During Eid al ADHa 10, 11, 12 and 13 of month of Dhul Hijjah

4. Events when it is allowed to break the fast and fast later the similar number of days
* If fasting aggravates health-condition
* Snake biting
* Thirsts due to newly developed disease
* Genuine danger for a pregnant mother, or for her fetus.
* Genuine fear for the life of a suckling infant
* Reason to fear death
* Menstruation
* If one is a traveler

5. Things that do not break fast
a) Those things which would otherwise break fast does not do so when one is unaware of the fact that one is fasting(complete forgetfulness of fasting).
b) Entrance of insects (i.e mosquitos), smoke and dust from natural environment does not break fast.
c) Wet dream, swallowing ones own saliva when still in the mouth, smearing oil, ointment on unwounded body do not break fast. or used antimony [in his eyes],
d) If one is overcome by vomiting, his fast is not broken.

6. Etiquettes and desirable practices
* Preparing for the month.
* Bringing to mind the bounty of Allah.
* Purifying one’s intention
* Pre-dawn meal (suhur) as late as safely possible.
* Not unnecessarily delaying the breakingof the fast.
* Performing salat al-Maghrib soon after breaking the fast, then returning to eat.
* Making du’a at the time of breaking the fast.
* Enabling others to break their fasts.
* Abstaining from all forbidden deeds.
* Maintaining a pleasant disposition.
* Abundant reciting of the Qur’an.
* Abundant charity.
* Performing tarawih prayers.

7. Miscellaneous
a) The intention of fasting can be made as late as just before noon, if one forgets to do so during the previous night. If one passes noon without making the intention ones fasting is invalid.( 1.3b)
b) One should eat before the day breaks even when one is not hungry.
c) For a woman whenever during the day menstruation stops she should be observing fasting even though it is not a fast for her. She should fast if it happens just before morning and did not have enough time to take shower and eat.
d) If a woman menstruates, she stops fasting and makes up [fasting for the days of menstruation].
e) Someone who lost consciousness in Ramadan does not make up the day on which the loss of consciousness occurred, but he makes up that which came after it.
f) If a traveller arrives, or a [menstruating] woman attains purity with part of the day [remaining], they abstain [from those things which invalidate fasting] for the rest of that day.

May Allah keep us on the Straight Path. Aameen

Husband’s Responsibility, Etiquette Towards His Wife

It is certainly not a deficiency, but rather good manners, that the husband shares responsibility in household work like mending garments or what is similar to that. The wife takes care of the household affairs. So, it is from good manners that the husband extends a helping hand to his wife in the house during times of necessity such as when she is sick, pregnant, has given birth, etc. A man should not feel shy in serving himself.

The exemplary husband is he who cooperates with his wife by keeping good relations and showing kind manners (to her). Truly, the husbands who help their wives in their work are the best of mankind in the view of Islam. This good way of living between the spouses must be deeply embedded into the daily marital life, even if the matter were to reach a divorce.

Beware of characterizing the relationship between the spouses with over-seriousness. For indeed characterizing the family life with a militaristic nature amounts to one of the causes for failure and bad results.

Among the kind and noble manners of the husband is that he complies and assents to the requests of his wife, so long as they are not forbidden in the Religion. Extravagance in food, drink, and clothing leads to the door of forbidden things in the Religion.

No human being is perfect. So no doubt the husband will see things in his wife that does not comply with his preferences. If these aspects are not in opposition to the fundaments of the Religion or to the obedience of the husband and his rights, then he should not try to change her personality to make it comply with his preferences.

He must always remember that for each one of the couple, there will be an aspect of one’s personality that conflicts with the other’s personality. The husband should always remember that if he doesn’t like some things in his wife, then indeed she will have other characteristics that are definitely pleasing to him.

Do not look for the errors of your wife and recount them to her, for too much blaming and reprimanding will worsen the relationship between the two of you, and it will pose a threat to your marital life. So overlook each other’s mistakes.

If you are able, do not hold back from providing your wife with good clothing and food, and from being generous in spending money on her. This is of course according to the extent of your ability.

Do not belittle the importance of correcting your wife if she does things that go against Religion. This should be the main, if not the only reason that should cause you to become angry.

The woman is the head of the household, the one responsible for it. So do not attempt to meddle into affairs that do not fall into your area of duties and responsibilities, such as the food and the upkeep of the house.

Beware of scolding your wife in presence of others, even if they are your own children. For indeed that is unsuitable behavior that turns the hearts of people against each other.

Having protective jealousy and caring about the modesty of your wife is a praiseworthy thing, which shows your love for her. However, it is on the condition that you do not go to great lengths in this jealousy. For then at that point, it would turn into something worthy of no praise.

Beware of divulging any secrets connected with the intimate encounters you have with your wife, for that is something restricted and forbidden.

Constantly maintain the cleaning of your mouth and the freshening of your breath.

Guardianship of your wife doesn’t mean that you can exploit what Allah has bestowed upon you from taking charge of her, such that you harm and oppress her.

Showing respect and kindness to your wife’s family is showing respect and kindness to her. And this applies even after her death.

Too much joking will lead to (your family having) little fear (of disobeying you) and a lack of respect for you. So do not joke too much and lose respect.

Fulfilling the conditions that you promised your wife in the marriage contract is very important. So do not neglect that after getting married.

When you advise her or simply talk to her, choose the kindest and nicest of words and expressions. It is not proper for you to ask your wife to look for work outside the house or to spend upon you from her wealth.

Do not overburden your wife with chores that she is not able to handle. Consider, with extreme regard, the environment she was raised up in. Working in a rural atmosphere is not like that in urban places. What a strong woman is prepared for and able to do, cannot be done by a weak woman.

The Etiquette Of Clothing

Allah SWT says: ‘O Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts) and as an adornment, that is better. Such are among the Ayat of Allah, that they may remember.’ (Al A’raf, 26)

A Muslim should endeavor to wear those clothes which express modesty, cover the body adequately, and at the same time, they should be suitable in respect of temperature and climate. The clothing should be simple to the extent that one should not be a walking billboard. Today we have in line with ‘fashion’, clothing saying ‘touch me…etc’. This is not appropriate. When one wears a garment, the very act of clothing oneself is a blessing of Allah (SWT) which He bestowed on mankind alone, all other creation is deprived of this blessing For men white clothing is preferred: RasulAllah (saw) said: ‘Wear white clothing, this is the best cloth, verily white clothes are worn in the world and in the white cloth are the dead buried’. (Tirmidhi)

• It is narrated in Bukhari: ‘RasulAllah (saw) would wear white clothing. Meaning RasulAllah (saw) himself wore white clothing and advised the men of the Ummah to do the same.

• Umme Salma (RA) narrates: ‘RasulAllah (saw) preferred a long shirt to all other garments.’ (Shama’il Tirmidhi)

This is because in this garment the body is well covered and concealed, modesty and humbleness are established and It is also attractive. Ibn Abbas (RA) states: ‘The shirt of RasulAllah (saw) was above the ankle’.

• For men to keep the trouser above the ankle: RasulAllah (saw) said: ‘3 types of people are such that on the Day of Qiyamah, Allah will not look at them nor have mercy on them.’ Abu Dhar Gafari (RA) asked: ‘Who will these unfortunate people be?!’ RasulAllah (saw) said:
1. He who allows his trousers to hang below the ankle.
2. He, who boasts of his favors to others.
3. He who takes a false oath.
RasulAllah (saw) said: ‘The portion of the ankle which is covered below the ankle will be in Jahannam’. (Bukhari/Muslim)

Note: As a matter of routine, it is important that men do not wear clothing that Shariah has advised against. Men should at least try to adopt Islamic clothing when coming to the masjid.

• The clothing of men and women should not resemble one another: RasulAllah (saw) said: ‘Allah (SWT) has cursed the men who resemble women and those women who resemble men’. (Bukhari)

• Women should not wear thin garments: RasulAllah (saw) said: ‘Those women are inhabitants of the Hellfire, who even after wearing clothes are naked’.(Riyadus-Saliheen) It states in another place: ‘Those women who wear thin clothing and clothing which causes the desire to arise in the hearts of men… (refers to those women who beautify themselves and walk about without hijab/purdah)…They will not enter Jannah nor will they smell its fragrance’. (Muslim)

How to Adopt the Headscarf? Allah (SWT) says: ‘tell the believing women…to draw their veils over their bodies…’(meaning to cover from the head to the breast). (An-Nur, 31)

This is due to the fact that the breast of women is apparent beauty in form. The women of jahiliyyah would position the cloth on the head and hang the sides to the back exposing the breast area, beautifying themselves in front of strange males. The Qur’an orders the Muslim women to be strict in this observance of modesty and piety and adopt clothing that covers the hair of the head, the ears, the neck and at the same time covers the breast adequately in front of ghayr-mahram males. (Tafsir Usmani) We pray that Allah (SWT) guides our men and women to adopt clothing according to the Shariah and Sunnah in our daily lives and grants us honor and status through this action, Aameen.

Mufti Yusuf Danka

How To Get Your Du’aa Answered

IMAM Ibn Al-Qayyim (Allah’s mercy on him) said: Du’aa and ta’awwudhat (prayers seeking refuge with Allah) are like a weapon, and a weapon is only as good as the person who is using it; it is not merely the matter of how sharp it is. If the weapon is perfect and free of faults, and the arm of the person using it is strong, and there is nothing stopping him, then he can lay waste the enemy. But if any of these three features is lacking, then the effect will be lacking accordingly.”

From this, it will be clear that there are etiquette and rulings that must be fulfilled in the Du’aa and in the person making the Du’aa. There are also things that may prevent the Du’aa reaching Allah or being answered these things must be removed from the person making the Du’aa and from the Du’aa. When all of the following conditions are fulfilled, then the Du’aa may be answered.

– Sincerity in making Du’aa. This is the most important condition. Allah has commanded us to be sincere when making Du’aa.

Sincerity in Du’aa means having the firm belief that the One upon Whom you are calling (Allah, may He be glorified and exalted) is alone able to meet your need, and it also means avoiding any kind of showing off in your Du’aa.

– Repentance and turning back to Allah. Sin is one of the main reasons why Du’aas are not answered, so the person who is making Du’aa should hasten to repent and seek forgiveness before he makes Du’aa. Allah tells us that prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) said:

“I said (to them): Ask forgiveness from your Lord, verily, He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance. And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” (Nuh 71: 10-12)

– Beseeching, humbling oneself, hoping for Allah’s reward and fearing His punishment. This is the spirit, essence, and purpose of Du’aa. Allah says: Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. (Al-A’raf 7: 55)

– Urgently beseeching and repeating the Du’aa without getting exasperated or bored; this is achieved by repeating the Du’aa two or three times. Restricting it to three times is preferable, in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) liked to say a Du’aa three times and ask for forgiveness three times. This was narrated by Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i.

– Making Du’aa at times of ease, and saying more Du’aas at times of plenty (of wealth). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Remember Allah during times of ease and He will remember you during times of hardship.” (Ahmad)

– Seeking to draw closer to Allah by calling upon Him by His Most Beautiful Names and Sublime Attributes at the beginning of the Du’aa or at the end. Allah says: “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them . . . ” (Al-A’raf 7: 180)

– Choosing the clearest and most concise words and the best of Du’aas. The best of Du’aas are those of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but it is permissible to say other words according to the specific needs of a person.

Other aspects of the etiquette of making Du’aa, although they are not obligatory, are: to face the Qiblah; to make Du’aa in a state of purity; to start the Du’aa with praise of Allah and blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is also prescribed to raise the hands when making Du’aa.

One of the things that help to bring a response to Du’aa is to seek the best times and places. Among the best times is the time just before Fajr (dawn), the last third of the night, the last hour of Jumu’ah (Friday), when rain is falling, and between the adhan and iqamah. Among the best places are mosques in general, and Al-Masjid Al-Haram [in Makkah] in particular.

Among the situations in which Du’aa is more likely to be answered are: when one is mistreated or oppressed, when one is traveling, when one is fasting, when one is in desperate need, and when a Muslim makes Du’aa for his brother in his absence.

Things which may prevent Du’aa from being answered include:

– When the Du’aa is weak in itself, because it involves something inappropriate, or involves bad manners towards Allah, may He be exalted, or it is inappropriate, which means asking Allah for something which it is not permitted to ask, e.g. when a man asks to live forever in this world, or he asks for a sin or something haram, or he prays that he will die, and so on. Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A person’s Du’aa will continue to be answered so long as he does not pray for something sinful or for the breaking of family ties.” (Muslim)

When the person who is making Du’aa is weak in himself because he is faint-hearted in his turning towards Allah. This may be either because of bad manners towards Allah, may He be exalted – such as raising his voice in Du’aa or making Du’aa in the manner of one who thinks he has no need of Allah; or because he pays too much attention to the wording and tries to come up with unnecessarily ornate phrases, without paying attention to the meaning; or because he tries too hard to weep or shout without really feeling it, or he goes to extremes in that.

– The reason why his Du’aa is not answered maybe because he has done something that Allah has forbidden, such as having unlawful wealth,  whether it be food or drink or clothing or accommodation or transportation, or he has taken an unlawful job, or the stain of sin is still in his heart, or he is following bid’ah (innovation) in religion, or his heart has been overtaken by negligence.

– Consuming unlawful wealth. This is one of the major reasons why Du’aas are not answered. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“O people, Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good. Allah commanded the pious to follow the same commandments as He gave to the Messengers. He says: [O ye messengers! Eat of the Taiyyabat [all kinds of Halal foods which Allah has made lawful . . .” (Al-Mu’minun 23: 51). Then he mentioned a man who has traveled on a long journey and is disheveled and covered with dust; he stretches forth his hands to the heaven, (saying) “O Lord, O Lord”, but his food is haram (unlawful), his drink is haram, all his nourishment is haram, so how can his Du’aa be accepted? (Muslim)

The man described by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had some of the characteristics which help Du’aas to be answered – he was traveling and he was in need of Allah, may He be exalted and glorified – but the fact that he consumed haram wealth prevented his Du’aa from being answered. We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound.

– Trying to hasten the response. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Du’aa of any one of you, will be answered so long as he is not impatient and says not, I made Du’aa but it was not answered.‚” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

– Making the Du’aa conditional, such as saying, “O Allah, forgive me if You will” or “O Allah, have mercy upon me if You will.” The person who makes Du’aa has to be resolute in his supplication, striving hard and earnestly repeating his Du’aa. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Let not any one of you say, O Allah, forgive me if You will, O Allah, have mercy on me if You will. Let him be resolute in the matter, whilst knowing that no one can compel Allah to do anything.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

In order for Du’aa to be answered, it is not essential to adhere to all of these points and be free of all that could prevent one’s Du’aa from being answered. That is something which happens very rarely. But one has to try hard and strive towards achieving this.

Another important point is to realize that the response to the Du’aa may take different forms: either Allah will respond and fulfill the desire of the person who made the Du’aa, or He will ward off some evil from him because of the Du’aa, or He will make something good easy for him to attain because of it, or He will save it with Him for him on the Day of Resurrection when he will be most in need of it.

Teaching Children Good Manners

Just as a child should be taught ritual acts of worship, he should also be taught good habits and etiquettes until they become second nature to him.

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “The believers who have the most perfect faith are those who have the best manners.” [Abu Daawood]

Good manners are an acquired trait that must be adopted from a young age. Of such manners are the following:

Being respectful and dutiful to parents:
The first person from whom a child learns good manners is the father. If a child is raised in a good Islamic home, then it would be natural for him to treat his parents respectfully.

Allah Says (what means): “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age in your life, never say ‘uff’ (an expression of displeasure), nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And humble yourself to them out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.'” [Quran, 17:23,24]

Maintaining good relations with relatives:
Sound cultivation also stipulates teaching children to maintain good relations with their relatives.

Allah Says (what means): ”Worship Allah and associate none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful. ” [Quran, 4:36]

The fulfillment of this Divine command can be accomplished only by sound cultivation which makes them grow attached to their relatives out of obedience to Allah.

Since relatives are an extension of the family, then strengthening ties with them strengthens the whole family and it is like strengthening the whole community and this reflects an Islamic community that enjoys a cohesive structure. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “The example of the believers in their reciprocal love and mercy is like a human body, when one of its organs suffers, the rest of the body remains awake and suffers fever.” [Muslim]

Inculcating brotherly love:
Brotherly love and believers’ solidarity must be embedded in children’s minds and that the believers are brothers-in-faith. For example to follow the pious predecessors, the Muhajireen and the Ansaar, may Allah be pleased with them, whose brotherly love and altruism Allah commands in His Book.

Giving a friendly gesture or a happy greeting to Muslim brothers generates friendliness in their hearts and, strengthens the love among the believers. This indeed is a fine trait, which is instructed by Allah, the Exalted. He describes the believers by saying (what means): “Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves…” [Quran, 48:29]

Allah also addressed His Messenger, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, saying (what means): “Had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you…” [Quran, 3:159]

Guarding the tongue:
Giving a good word is a type of remembrance of Allah, telling the truth, guarding one’s own tongue against slandering other Muslims are good deeds. The best Muslim, according to the Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, is the one from whose tongue the Muslims feel safe.

Parents should make their children aware of the gravity of abusing others with their tongue and of the fact that the tongue is a double-sided and dangerous weapon. Therefore, they should be warned in particular against abusing it.

Warning children against backbiting and slandering:
Children should be taught that backbiting is speaking slanderously about an absent person. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Do you know what back biting is?” They (companions) said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “It is to attribute to your brother what he dislikes.” He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked: “What do you think if what I say about my brother is true?” He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “If what you attribute to him is true, then you have backbitten him, and if it is not true, then you have lied about him.” [Muslim]

While talebearing is to circulate slanderous rumors between two persons to damage or sever the ties between them. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Talebearer will not be admitted to Paradise.” [Muslim]

Deriding people in their presence by making negative facial expressions or by hand gestures while they are unaware is also forbidden in Islam.

Warning children against lying:
Children must be taught to tell the truth and to keep away from lying, which is the most horrible habit. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “There are four traits whoever possesses them is a sheer hypocrite, and he who possesses one of them, possesses a trait of hypocrisy unless he quits it. They are: when he speaks, he lies; and when he enters into an agreement, he acts unfaithfully; when he promises, he breaches his promise; and when he litigates, he behaves treacherously. While the liar receives the anger of Allah on the Day of Resurrection.” [Al-Bukhaari]

Parents should not take this evil habit lightly, or consider it funny when their children tell lies because later on, it becomes easy for them to lie without any compunction.

Abusing others:
Among the worst of manners is reviling people and swearing at them. If this bad habit is not redressed while the child is growing up, it becomes hard for him to avoid it later on.

Islam enjoins guarding the tongues. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “He who guarantees, what is in between his jaws (tongue), and what is in between his thighs (private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [Al-Bukhaari]

This means guarding one’s own tongue against uttering anything that displeases Allah, and guarding one’s own private parts against committing illicit acts or fornication.